Law Firm Case Studies

North Coast Brass and Copper Co.

Extensive Employee Control

In 1987, the 535 employees of Chase Brass, the sheet metal division of BP America, Inc., were about to lose their jobs to a plant closing. The division made copper and brass sheets used largely for auto and electrical manufacturing. BP America indicated an openness to a deal with division employees, and on Jan. 29, 1988, the workers began to experience life as owners of the newly renamed North Coast Brass & Copper Co.

Paper Mill

In the late 1980’s and early 1990’s there was a major contraction in the US paper manufacturing capacity. Attorney Olson provided assistance and advice to PACE International Union concerning potential employee buyouts of Eastern Fine Papers, Shasta Paper, Cornell Globe, Sebewaing; I.P. Natchez, Ms., and Passadumkeag Sawmill.

Homeland Grocery

UFCW negotiated an ESOP with a significant union role in corporate governance and representation agreement for new stores. Since 2011 this 100% employee-owned chain of 76 grocery stores, employing over 15,000 people, has already expanded to 80 unionized stores.

Creative Community Pathways (CCP)

Creative Community Pathways (CCP), has created co-ops among the families of the children for whom it provides “individualized success plans. Families work together to get children to and from school and the many supportive resources in their program. The co-ops are organized and supported by CCP staff. Phyllis Williams, CEO of CCP developed these co-ops with advice from Atty. Olson. (More details coming soon.)